Rule 16-201 - Court Sessions(a) In General. The courts of this State shall be open each day throughout the year from Monday through Friday except:(1) on days designated pursuant to State law for the observance of legal holidays by State employees; or(2) when closed because of emergency, inclement weather, or other good cause by order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or an individual designated by the Chief Justice.Cross reference: For the definition of "holiday, see Rule 1-202 and Code, State Personnel and Pensions Article, § 9-201.
(b) Proceedings When Courts Closed. No trials or other court proceedings shall be conducted when the court is closed pursuant to section (a) of this Rule except when ordered by (1) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or (2) a judge of the particular court in an emergency or as the public welfare may require.(c) Public or Catastrophic Health Emergency. When required to deal with the effects of a public emergency or a catastrophic health emergency declared by the Governor, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court may order that one or more courts remain open or reopen, including on a holiday or weekend. Cross reference: Code, Public Safety Article, §§ 14-107, 14-303, 14-3A-02.
(d) Commencement of Sessions. Unless otherwise ordered for good cause by the County Administrative Judge, by the presiding judge, or by regulation of the Chief Judge of the District Court, daily court proceedings ordinarily will commence no later than 9:30 a.m. The presiding judge or administrative judge may direct that proceedings commence at an earlier time. Except for unexpected or necessary delays or other good cause, particular proceedings shall ordinarily commence at the time scheduled by the County Administrative Judge, the presiding judge, the Chief Judge of the District Court, or by an official or unit of the court authorized to supervise the assignment of cases for trial or hearing.This Rule is derived from former Rule 16-106(2016) with style changes.
Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016; amended April 21, 2023, eff. 4/1/2023.